Finally the boat liked the look of the weather and left Villa O'Higgins and we filled it. First across Lago O'Higgins , with the white peak of Cerro O'Higgins like an expectant bride looking down on us, and then picking it´s way through icebergs (the bride's tears? oh, please!) which had calved off Glacier O'Higgins, before disgorging it´s contents on the southern shore.
Bernardo O'Higgins was the bastard son of a Sligo-born Peruvian Viceroy. Together with Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin, they led the liberation of South America against the Spanish in the C19th. He is the key figure in Chilean history, 'El Libertador', and duly his name is plastered on everything.
We were now five. Juan and Anke still, plus Bryan and Sue from New Zealand. I was the youngest by a few years! Twenty five kilometres and an international border lay between the shores of Lake O´Higgins and Lake Desierto, over a hill and along a path. Easy for a sunday stroll but with bikes and broken bridges, fallen trees, mud and steepness, it was a great little adventure. Luckily the farm at the shore had some horses.
Let the photos tell the story!
Negotiating with Glacier O'Higgins
Loading the horses at Candelario Mancillo farm.
First view of Mount Fitzroy.
Leaving Chile.
The descent to Lago del Desierto.
A boat crosses this lake and then a bit of cycling gets you to the town of El Chalten at the foot of Fitzroy.
Degrees South; 49.3
Miles Cycled; 638
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